Sharon Holter

Sharon Holter, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Sharon was born on September 22, 1946, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Melvin and Violet Peterson. A lifelong resident of Grand Forks, she graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1964 and earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of North Dakota in 1969.

On June 22, 1968, Sharon married the love of her life, James Holter, at First United Methodist Church in Grand Forks. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and adventure.

Sharon began her career teaching kindergarten before dedicating herself to raising her family. She welcomed her son, Jeff, in 1970 and her daughter, Kari, in 1977. Motherhood was one of Sharon's greatest joys. She rarely missed a football game, dance recital, school event, or milestone, and took great pride in supporting her children through every stage of life.

As her children grew older, Sharon returned to the workforce, first part-time with H&R Block and the UND Bookstore. She later became the office manager at the Grand Forks Senior Center, where she worked for 13 years. Through her kindness, dedication, and friendly nature, she touched the lives of countless seniors before retiring in 2011.

Sharon was an active member of the Sunshine Homemaker Club, the Grand Forks Optimist Club, Sons of Norway, and Calvary Lutheran Church. She valued community involvement and the lifelong friendships she developed through these organizations.

Sharon and Jim shared a love of travel and treasured making memories with family and friends. Together they visited all 50 states and explored destinations throughout Europe, Mexico, and Australia, while also enjoying many cruises. Some of Sharon's happiest moments were spent camping at Cass Lake, relaxing at Lake of the Woods, and gathering with loved ones at the family cabin on Pine Lake. During the last decade, Sharon and Jim wintered in Mesa, Arizona, where they formed new friendships and reconnected with old ones.

Sharon is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Jim Holter; her children, Jeff (Becky) Holter and Kari Holter, and her partner, Brent Massmann; and her beloved grandchildren, Katie, Emily, and Nathan Holter. She is also survived by her Aunt Carol (Duane) Knutson; Jim's siblings, Julaine (Joe) Boyers, Joanne Steele, Jon (Tammy) Holter, and Janell Holter (Renae Andersen); as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Violet Peterson; her brother, David Peterson; her parents-in-law, Alvin and Arlene Holter; her brother-in-law, Dana Steele; and her sister-in-law, Judy (Elroy) Erickson.

Sharon's family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support they have received from family and friends during this difficult time. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for those around her will be remembered and treasured always.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held Monday, November 16, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the start of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Grand Forks Senior Center, Calvary Lutheran Church, or the Alzheimer's Association .